Protecting Pedestrians: How Raising Awareness Can Help Prevent Accidents

October is National Pedestrian Safety Month, a time to confront the growing dangers facing pedestrians. Even when simply walking through their own neighborhoods, for residents of St. Louis, the risk of injury has become heartbreakingly real. Last year, pedestrian deaths reached record highs: 23 within the city limits and 36 across the county, spikes of 187% and 24% respectively.

Nationwide, the trend is just as troubling. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 7,314 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes in 2023, showing that St. Louis’ crisis reflects a broader national problem.

As these numbers show, pedestrian safety isn’t just a statistic; it’s a matter of life and death for families in our community.

At Cofman Townsley, our St. Louis pedestrian accident lawyers have seen firsthand how quickly a single act of driver negligence can change lives. That’s why choosing a legal team with both experience and compassion is so important when you or a loved one has been injured.

Why Pedestrian Safety Matters in St. Louis

St. Louis ranks among the more dangerous U.S. cities for pedestrians. Busy intersections, like those along Kings Highway, and high-speed corridors, such as Interstate 64, near downtown increase the risk, especially in neighborhoods where pedestrian infrastructure is limited.

Even with crosswalks and signals in place, too many crashes happen when drivers ignore traffic laws or fail to look out for pedestrians.

The aftermath of a pedestrian accident may include catastrophic harm, such as spinal cord or brain injuries, and all too frequently, these incidents prove fatal. The human toll is immeasurable, and the financial strain on families can be overwhelming.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

Most crashes share the same causes, which means they can also be prevented:

• Driver Distraction: Smartphones, infotainment systems, and even eating behind the wheel can divert attention long enough to miss someone in a crosswalk.
  
• Speeding: The faster a car moves, the less time a driver has to react and the greater the severity of injuries in a crash.
  
• Failure to Yield: Many accidents occur because drivers don’t stop for pedestrians at intersections or when making turns, a problem often seen along corridors like Grand Boulevard and Natural Bridge, and busy downtown St. Louis crosswalks near the Delmar Loop.
  
• Low Visibility: Poor lighting, faded crosswalk paint, or blocked sightlines make it harder for drivers and pedestrians to see each other, especially in areas like Chippewa Street, where heavy foot traffic mixes with evening activity.

While these causes are serious, the good news is they are preventable with the right strategies.

How Awareness and Education Save Lives

National Pedestrian Safety Month highlights the role public awareness campaigns have in changing behavior. When drivers understand the risks of distracted driving or speeding, they are more likely to adjust their habits.

Community education, such as school-based programs teaching children how to cross streets safely, or public service announcements reminding drivers to slow down in high-traffic areas, also play a vital role. These efforts help build a culture where pedestrian safety is prioritized.

Awareness can prevent crashes, but when drivers ignore the rules, legal action may be the only way to hold them accountable. Our St. Louis pedestrian accident lawyers have the experience to help victims seek justice and compensation for their injuries and other losses through civil courts.

Improving Infrastructure

However, education alone isn’t enough. St. Louis can also improve safety through:

• Better Signage and Crosswalk Visibility: Brightly lit, clearly marked crosswalks and pedestrian countdown signals make intersections safer, especially in pedestrian-dense areas like the Central West End and Downtown.
  
• Traffic Calming Measures: Speed bumps, roundabouts, and narrowed lanes can reduce dangerous speeding in residential areas.

When cities invest in safer infrastructure, pedestrians benefit immediately.

Shared Responsibility on the Road

Safety is a two-way street. Drivers must remain alert, slow down in pedestrian-heavy areas, and respect crosswalks. At the same time, pedestrians should use designated crosswalks, obey signals, and stay as visible as possible, especially at night.

Neither side can prevent every risk, but shared responsibility makes accidents less likely.

Advocacy and Legal Accountability

Preventing pedestrian accidents requires continued advocacy at the community and policy level. At Cofman Townsley, we work alongside community leaders, schools, and law enforcement to push for safer streets.

When accidents do occur, legal accountability is also essential. Holding negligent drivers responsible through civil lawsuits helps victims and families recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. It also reinforces the importance of safe driving.

Our team of experienced St. Louis pedestrian accident lawyers has a proven track record of helping injured pedestrians and grieving families. For over 50 years, we’ve successfully represented victims in St. Louis and across Missouri, ensuring their voices are heard and their rights protected.

Your Rights Matter After a Pedestrian Crash

National Pedestrian Safety Month reminds us that every life matters and that many accidents in St. Louis are preventable.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, you don’t have to face the challenges ahead alone. You have rights after a pedestrian crash, let us protect them while you heal. Contact us today for a free consultation.